Compressor



Sept. 18, 1934; w. FOURNESS COMPRESSOR F i1ed Jan. 30, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet l Egan/75m /y .57 33 INVENTOR 74 I Wil re Fou ness 3 ATTORNEY Sept. 18, 1934. w. FOURNESS COMPRES SOR Filed Jan. 50, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR WH re F0 r 8 B %44/ ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 18, 1934 PATENT. OFFICE I 1,973,949 COMPRESSOR,

Wilfred Fourness, Oakland, Calif., assignor to Fourness Development Corporation, Ltd., New

York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application J anuary 30,

1933, Serial No. 654,185

14 Claims. (Cl. 230-175) fifteen hundred totwo thousand revolutions per minute.

This application is a continuation in part of a prior application filed November 4, 1931, in the 1 name of WilfredFoumess, under Serial No. 572,-'

952, and entitled Compressor system.

As in the prior application, the present construction is especially adapted to be used for compressing a gas thatisused in a mechanical refrigerating system. Examples of such gases now in common use are sulfur dioxide and methyl chloride. Y I

In the said prior application, there is described a compressor structure having one or more cylinder blocks and pistons, as well as corresponding piston valves forcontrolling the inlet and outlet passageways from the blocks. The

blocks for both the main cylinder and the piston 'valve cylinder have been shown therein as preferably mounted so as to be free to oscillate to remain in constant alinement with the power driven main piston and the piston valve. In this way, the connection rod or pitman between the crank shaft and the piston structure can be omitted, the pistons being directlyactuated from a crank shaft .or by an eccentric. Thus a compact, efficient and sturdy structure can be inexpen'sively provided. i

It is one of the objects of the present invention to improve in general, the construction shown in the said priir application; and especially by simplifying the valve mechanism. a

Insaid prior application; there ,is described a scheme to unload the compressor during the starting period. .This scheme involves the use of a casing enclosing thecompressor mechanism, and subjected substantially to intake pressure.

' The outlet port is temporarily opened to the inside of this casing during ths period, as by per- 5 mitting the valve block and the cylinder block to separate. Under normal working conditions these blocks are held in fluid tight contact by the aid of the normal outlet pressure, which "'5 attained shortly after the compressor is started.

It is another objectof this invention'to provide a different and simpler mechanism to effectthe unloading of the compressor during the starting period, so as to relieve the source of power for dr'ving the compressor, from unduly heavy starting loads.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a compressor mechanism that may be driven from any one of a pair of independent sources, such as from an electric motor, or, for portable operation, from an automobile engine.

This invention possessesmany other advantages,and has other objects which may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown -a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present speci-' fication. These forms shall now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best 79 defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings: 7

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the compressor as utilized ina refrigerating system;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the compressor; and

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are sectional views taken re-' spectively along planes 3-3, 4-4 and 5-5 of Fig. 2. V v

In Figure 1, the compressor mechanism 11 is 30 shown in conjunction with a refrigerating system. This compressor, in this instance, has a horizontally arranged shaft 12 which extends through the casing of the compressor and passes through appropriate bosses 13 and 14 on opposite sides of the housing. The-shaft 12 may be surrounded by' appropriate packing glands in bosses 13 and'14 to provide a fluid tight housing" structure.

In this way the compressor 11 can be driven, for example, by an electric motor 16; or it can be driven from any other appropriate source by coupling such a source to the righthand end 15 of shaft 12. The electric motor 16 as well as the compressor 11 can be appropriately supported on a horizontal base 1'7. The refrigeration effect takes place in an expansion space 18. It is in this space that the liquid refrigerant is evaporated. The vapor or gas resulting from the. evaporation is conducted by way of connections 19 and 20 to the inlet of compressor 11. Interposed .in connections 19 and 20 is a check valve 21 for preventing reverse flow of the gas or vapor through these connections from compressor 11 into thespace 18. As explained hereinafter, the connection from this compressor extendsinto an oil separator 21' supported in this instance above the compressor 11. In the oil separator the compressed gas is freed from most of the ciland then flows by way of a connection 22 to a corn or a float valve supplying the refrigerant by way of the connection 27 to the expansion space 13. Here the refrigerant is vaporized and absorbs heat, and the cycle can then be repeated. Since the mode of operation of such mechanical re frigerating systems is wellunderstood, further description thereof is considered unnecessary.

The compressor 11 in this instance is of the reciprocating type, having two reciprocating mechanisms operated by a shaft 12. Each mechanism includes a piston and a cylinder. -As shown clearly in Fig. 3, the casing for the compressor includes the two*halves 28 and 29. These two halves are flanged-as indicatedat 30 and 31, and interposed between the flanges is a central partition platesupport or member 32. The three members 30, 31, and 32 can be appropriately connected together in ;a fluid tight' manner as by the aid of bolts or screws 33 (Fig. 1). Appropriate foot members 34 are formed on members 28 and 29 to support the entire compressor casing on the base 17'. F

The central partition or wall 32 is utilized to accommodate some of the compressor ports as well as to support on either side thereof ,-a cylinder block in a-manner now to be described.

The cylinder blocks 35 and 36 (Figs. 2, 3 and 4) are shown as having an external configuration that is cylindrical, the axisof the cylinder being at right angles to the axis of the cylinder space 3'7. Bothof these cylinder blocks are adapted to oscillate about the axis of the cylindrical surface. Each cylinder block 35 and 36 can be provided,

for example, respectively, with trunnion shafts 38, 39 journalled in a bearing bushing 40 supported in the central partition 32. The opposite side of. each of the blocks can be provided with another trunnion shaft such as 41, 42. These 3 trunnion shafts can be supported, respectively, in

brackets 43 and 44. As shown .most clearly in Figs. 2 and 4, these brackets can, be appropriately I secured as by bolts 45 to the center wall 32.

,The axis of cylinder space 3'7 is in general horizontal. Fitting in each space is a piston 46 or 47.

Both pistons are'shown as provided with a series of oil grooves 48, and theentire casing 28, 29, .32 can be filled with oil to a level such as indicated at 49 (Fig. 2). The pistons46 and 4'7 have a suflicient clearance in the cylinders to provide a continual flushing of the lubricant through these cylinders. The oil seals the pistons and cylinders, and keeps the surfaces clean. In this way, gum-' ming or sticking of the pistons is prevented and there is no tendency to overheat on this account.-

The oil thus, passing into the cylinders transfers heat with itinto the outlet passageways and is Thepistons 46 and 4'7 are arranged to be reciprocated by rotation of shaft 12 which extends through an aperture 50 in the central partition 32.

Shaft 12 carries the eccentrics 51 and-52. The

eccentricity of the eccentrics is such as to .pro-' duce a full stroke of the pistons 46 and 4'7 for each "revolution ,of-shaft12. These eccentrics are mounted in appropriateeccentric straps 53 and axially in this cylinder space, the cylinder blocks 35 and 36 will be oscillated on their trunnions during a complete revolution of the shaft 12.

The intake of the expended refrigerant and the discharge of the compressed refrigerant into and out of the cylinder spaces 3'7 are controlled in this instance by this oscillatory movement of the cylinder blocks. For this purpose, a seat'member 55 contacts with the periphery of cylinder block 35 to close the end of its cylinder space 3'7; and similarly a corresponding seat member 56 contacts with and closes the end of the cylinder space 3'7 in the block 36. ,Each seat 55, 56 has an intake port'5'7 and an outlet port 58 (Fig. 2)- so arranged that as the cylinder block 35 oscillates these ports are placed successively in communi- -cation with the cylinder space 3'7. The intake port 5'7 can be in communication with the intake conduit 20 as bythe aid of a passageway 59 bored into the central partition member 32. Thence cross passages 60, 61 through the central partition 32 and seat members 55 and 56 respectively connect passageway 59 with the intake ports 5'7.

The outlet ports 58 connect to a flexible conduit 62 by way of an elbow 63 and passageway 64. The two conduits 62 on opposite sides of the partition wall 32 are joined-to a cross passage 65 (Fig. 2). This cross passage in turn leads to a passageway 66 to form an outlet passage into an outlet pipe 6'7 in the oil separator21'.

.It is apparent from an inspection of Fig. 2, that upon counterclockwise rotation of shaft 12, piston 46 will be urged into cylinder space 37, and cylinder block 35 will be oscillated in a counterclockwise direction, causing ultimately a connection to be established between the cylinder space 37 and discharge port 58. Upon the completion of a. half revolution from the position shown, the cylinder block 35 will have been oscillated back again to a central alined position, with piston 46 in its extreme inner position. From then on, os-

cillation of block 35 is in a clockwise direction,

the same position is reached as shown in the drawings. v

In order to support-shaft 12 inside of easing 28-29, brackets 68 can be supported on the partition wall, 32, and can be provided with bearing sleeves 69'for the shaft 12. I

The compressed refrigerant passing through discharge pipe 67 is received. in the oil and gas separator 21'. The gas passes through conduit 22 to-the condenser 23; the separated oil '70 is permitted to cool in the bottom of the separator 21, and is periodically discharged upon operation of a floatmechanism '71, through the pipe 72. This pipe connects to passageway '73 through the central partition 32, and to one of a. plurality of afpertures '74 in the partition wall 32. These apertures '74 insure that the gas pressure in both halves of the casingwill be uniform.

As described in the prior application referred to, the separated oil carries withit a residuum' of absorbed gas. which is allowed to expand in the casing, producing, beneficial results described and claimed in the prior application.

In order to keep the gas pressure in the compressor housing substantially at intake pressures, an equalizer connection 750(Fig. 1) can extend from the intake passageway 59 in to a dome84 which forms an extension of'the compressor casi118. x

The arrangement is, furthermore, such that the seat members 55 and 56 can separate during the starting period of the compressor, or for any other abnormal condition of operation, whereby the discharge and intake ports are both in com-. munication with the interior of the housing, and the compressor is protected from overload.

Each seat member is pressed as by a compression spring 76 against the center partition 32; and it is also pressed against the corresponding cylinder block by a device operating by discharge pressures. Compression spring 76 is supported in a recess in bracket 7'7, bolted to the center partition 32.

Outlet pressure for'holding the seat members against "the cylinder blocks can be used by the aid of an auxiliary cylinder and piston mechanism. For example, each member 55, 56 can be provided with an integral short auxiliary piston 78, 79. These respectively are arranged to operate in cylinder members 80, 81. Outlet pressure is available in the cylinder spaces, as by boring an aperture 82 through each of the auxiliary pistons to connect with the outlet passageway 58. It is thus apparentthat outlet pressure is effective on the right hand end of the piston '78 to urge the member 55 tightly against the cylinder block. If this outlet pressurefails, as for example, when the compressor is first started, the mechanism'is unloaded. The pistons 46 and 47, under such conditions, merely pass the refrigerant into the casing. As soon as a suflicient pressure, however, is obtained,'the piston's 80, 81 become effective to seal members 35 and 55 together and members 36 and 56 together.

The members'55 and 56 are preferably influenced and guided by compression springs 76 as to permit slight separation between the cylinder blocks and the seat forming members, should the occasion arise, as during the starting period. In order further to permit this freedom of movement, cylinders and 81 are not rigidly fastened port and an outlet port, covered and uncovered by the oscillatory movement of the block, said means also having a cylindrical surface that guides the oscillatory motion of the block, and. means urging said seat forming means and block and an outlet port, covered and uncovered by the oscillatory movement of the block, said means also having a cylindrical surface that guides .the

oscillatory motion of the block, and a fluid tight housing enclosing the mechanism.

3. In a compressormechanism, an oscillating cylinder block, a'piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder, means forming a contacting seat for the cylinder, said means having an inlet port and an' outlet port, covered and uncovered by the oscillatory movement of the block, said means also-having a cylindrical surface that guides the oscillatory motion of the. block, a fluid tight housing enclosing the mechanism, and yielding'means urging said seat forming means and block toether.

4. In a compressor mechanism, an oscillating cylinder block, a piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder," means forming a-contacting seat for the cylinder, said means having an inlet port and. an outlet port, covered and uncovered by the oscillatory movement of the block, said means also having a cylindricalsurface that guides the oscillatory motion of the block, a fluid tight housing enclosing the mechanism, yielding means urging said seat forming means and block together, and'means for subjecting the interior of the housing substantially to intake pressure.

5. In a compressor mechanism, an oscillating cylinder block, a piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder, means forming a contacting seat .for the cylinder,-said means having an inlet port.

int

6. In a compressor mechanism, an oscillating cylinder block, a piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder, means forming a contacting seat for the .cylinder, said means having an inlet operated by outlet pressure for urging said'seat forming means and block together.

7. In a compressor mechanism, an oscillating cylinder block, a piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder, means forming a contacting seat for the cylinder, said means having an inlet port and an outlet port, covered and uncovered by the oscillatory movement of the block, and means forming a pressure space for urging said seat forming means and block together.

8. In a compressor mechanism, an oscillating cylinder block, a piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder, means forming a contacting seat for the cylinder, said means having an inlet port and an outlet port, covered and-uncovered by the oscillatory movement of the block, and means forming an auxiliary piston member and a cylinder member, one of said members being mechanically connected. to the seat forming I means, said outlet portbeing connected to the auxiliary cylinder space to urge said seat forming'member against said block.

9. In a compressor mechanism, an oscillating cylinder block, a-piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder, means forming a contacting seat for the cylinder, said means having an inlet port and an outletport, covered and uncovered by the oscillatory movement of the block, means forming an auxiliary piston member and a cyl inder member, one of said members being mechanically connected to the seat forming means, said outlet port being connected to the auxiliary cylinder space to urge said seat forming member against said block, and a housing subjected substantially to intake pressure enclosing said mechanism. r

10. In a compressor mechanism, a cylinder block, means forming a pivotal support for the block to permit it to oscillate, a piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder, means for contacting with said block and having an inlet port and an outlet port, covered and uncovered by the oscillatory movement of the block, and means yielding to permit separation of, the block and said contacting means during the starting period.-

11. In .a compressor mechanism, a cylinder block, means forming a pivotal support for the block to permit .it to oscillate, a piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder, means for contact- 'ing with said block and having an inlet port and an outlet port, covered and uncovered by the oscillatory movement oithe block, means yieldingto permit separation of the block and, said con-,

block, means .forming a pivotal support for the block to permit it to oscillate, a piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder, means .for contacting with said block and having an inlet port and an outlet port, covered and uncovered by the oscillatory movement of the block, and means op- "erated by the outlet pressure for keeping said f g 13; In a compressor "mechanism, a cylinder block, means forming a pivotal support, for the block to permit it to oscillate, a piston arranged tacting'with said block and having an inlet port and an outlet port, covered and uncovered by the oscillatory movement of the block, and means iorming an auxiliary cylinder element as well as an auxiliary piston element, one of said elements being joined to the contacting means, there being a port in the contacting means, between the auxiliary piston space and the outlet port, to supply outlet pressure to the cylinder space for urging said contacting means toward said block.

, 14. In a compressor mechanism, an oscillating cylinder block having a cylinder chamber, a piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder chamber, saidblock having a cylindrical surface 00- axial with the axis of oscillation thereof, and means forming a cylindrical surface contacting with the cylindrical surface of the block for guiding it, said cylinder block having an aperture forming a continuation of the cylinder chamber and adapted to be closed by said means.

WILFRED FoURNEss.

'to' reciprocate in the cylinder, means for coni 

